2025 Subaru WRX vs 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

$37,750 · Sedan

$33,215 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru WRX and the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the $4,535 MSRP difference, with the Jetta GLI starting at $33,215 compared to the WRX's $37,750. This price variance is accompanied by a substantial 8 MPG combined fuel efficiency gap, as the GLI achieves 30 MPG combined versus the WRX's 22 MPG. Performance metrics show the WRX leading in power with 271 hp against the GLI's 228 hp, though both models match at 258 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the WRX utilizes an All-Wheel Drive system, contrasting with the GLI's Front-Wheel Drive configuration. Dimensionally, the WRX is slightly shorter in length at 183.8 inches and offers 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Jetta GLI provides slightly more trunk volume at 14.1 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI is the superior commuter vehicle due to its 30 combined MPG, significantly outpacing the WRX's 22 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI offers more usable storage with 14.1 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher output of 271 hp and standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI presents better value, costing $4,535 less while delivering superior fuel economy.

Choose the Subaru WRX if...

Maximum traction and handling in varied conditions is prioritized via the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
The driver demands higher peak engine output, evidenced by the WRX's 271 hp rating.
A vehicle length of 183.8 inches fits tighter garage specifications better than the marginally longer Jetta GLI.

Choose the Volkswagen Jetta GLI if...

Lower running costs are crucial, supported by the 30 combined MPG rating.
The total purchase price must be minimized, given the $33,215 MSRP.
Maximum cargo utility is needed, where the Jetta GLI provides 14.1 cubic feet versus 12.5 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru WRX	Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Length	183.8"	186.9"
Width	71.9"	70.8"
Height	57.8"	57.3"
Wheelbase	105.2"	105.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	271 hp @ 5600 rpm	228 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	26/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	315.4/431.6 mi.	343.2/475.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Beats Audio
Stereo Power	—	400W
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.3 in.	51.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	245/40R	225/45R H
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru WRX and 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 WRX and the 2025 Jetta GLI?

The 2025 Subaru WRX comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction stability. Conversely, the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is exclusively offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

How much more powerful is the 2025 WRX than the Jetta GLI?

The WRX produces 271 horsepower, which is 43 hp more than the Jetta GLI's 228 horsepower rating. Both vehicles generate an identical 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which sedan offers better long-term fuel economy?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is significantly more economical, achieving 30 combined MPG (26 city/36 highway). The Subaru WRX manages only 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway).

Is there a substantial price gap between these two performance sedans?

Yes, the Subaru WRX carries a premium MSRP of $37,750, making it $4,535 more expensive than the Jetta GLI's starting price of $33,215.

Which vehicle offers more cargo volume?

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI provides slightly more utilitarian space with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Subaru WRX offers 12.5 cubic feet in the trunk.